Support for convention call in CHP grows: Number of signatures reaches 307

In the Republican People's Party (CHP), the call for an extraordinary convention made by former party deputies against the "absolute nullity" decision regarding the 38th Ordinary Convention has expanded rapidly. Most recently, 84 more former CHP deputies have added their signatures, demanding that the convention be convened urgently. The total number of supporters has reached 307.

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Support for convention call in CHP grows: Number of signatures reaches 307

Discussions regarding the legal validity of the CHP's 38th Ordinary Convention have mobilized former deputies and senators within the party. The "absolute nullity" decision by the Ankara Regional Court of Justice drew reactions from numerous former parliamentarians. 84 new signatories joined the latest statement, bringing the number of signatures on the call for an extraordinary convention to 307.

The published joint text emphasized that the court's decision is contrary to the principles of democratic politics and the rule of law. Furthermore, citing Article 79 of the Constitution, it was recalled that intra-party election processes must take place under judicial supervision and that decisions of the Supreme Election Council (YSK) are final.

While the number of those supporting the initial call last week was 223, this figure has risen further with the new additions. The list includes many well-known politicians, ranging from former ministers and ambassadors to former party executives.

REACTION TO "ABSOLUTE NULLITY" DECISION GROWS

The statement noted that the "absolute nullity" decision taken by the court is a severe intervention in the rule of law and democratic political functioning. It was stated that the foundation of political legitimacy stems from the will of the nation, and that disregarding the outcome of the ballot box shakes public trust. "With the absolute nullity decision, the constitutional order has been interfered with by a politicized judiciary. This is an unacceptable situation," the statement said, expressing harsh criticism of the ongoing process.

The statement is as follows:

'As deputies and senators who have served under the roof of the Republican People's Party in previous terms of the Grand National Assembly of Turkey, we announce to the public that we do not accept the "absolute nullity" decision, which targets the principle of the Rule of Law, the supremacy of the national will, and the legitimacy of democratic politics.

Political parties are indispensable elements of democratic political life. Intra-party processes and election processes regarding the will of the Convention are carried out under judicial supervision according to Article 79 of the Constitution. All kinds of objections regarding election processes are made first to the District Election Board and finally to the Supreme Election Council (YSK). If the YSK finds no irregularities and rejects the objection, it issues the certificate of election to the elected candidate. According to Article 79, the decision given by the YSK is final and cannot be appealed. Making the ruling judiciary a tool for regulating politics is very dangerous for the democratic order and opens wounds that are difficult to heal in the conscience of society.

For this reason, we evaluate the cancellation of the CHP's 38th Convention, held 2.5 years ago, where Mr. Özgür Özel was elected Chairman, on the grounds of "absolute nullity" as a heavy blow to democratic politics, the principle of the rule of law, and the national will. Because the source of political legitimacy is the national will. Ignoring the will that emerged at the ballot box shakes public trust in political institutions and justice.

With the absolute nullity decision, the constitutional order has been interfered with by a politicized judiciary. This is an unacceptable situation. Those who support absolute nullity are those who do not stand on the right side of history and have no hope for tomorrow. What is essential is the will of the CHP organizations and members. The CHP cannot be directed or managed by extra-legal judicial decisions made under the guidance of political will. Despite the provisions of the Constitution, the most correct, legitimate, and legal solution to resolve the divisions and discussions that are intended to be created within the CHP, the founding party of the Democratic and Secular Republic, through a decision taken by an unauthorized appellate court, before they grow, is to IMMEDIATELY make a call for an Extraordinary Convention. The 'legal representation gap' currently created by the judiciary will be resolved in the fastest way possible through the will of an Extraordinary Convention to be held within 45 days at the latest.

Thus, while giving a meaningful response to the government's efforts to regulate politics through the judiciary, the great hope created for the future of our country by Mr. Özgür Özel, who was elected Chairman with the overwhelming support of CHP delegates and members in two extraordinary and one ordinary convention following the 38th Convention and who has made the CHP Turkey's leading party again through his work, will be sustained.

The CHP, which is the founder and guarantor of Turkey, is not ownerless. As former parliamentarians who come from the CHP organization and who favor political competition being shaped by the will of the nation rather than by illegal methods, we respectfully announce to the public that we will continue to resolutely protect Turkey's democratic accumulation, the will of the people, republican values, and the Republican People's Party, and we believe that going to a CONVENTION IMMEDIATELY is an indispensable and non-postponable responsibility and we demand that a call for a convention be made IMMEDIATELY.'

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84 NEW SIGNATORIES ON THE LIST

Among the 84 former deputies who signed the new declaration announced to the public are names such as Sabahat Akkiraz, İlhan Cihaner, Dursun Çiçek, Levent Gök, Fatma Kaplan Hürriyet, Ercan Karakaş, Faruk Loğoğlu, Fikri Sağlar, Şenel Sarıhan, Turan Tayan, Atilla Sertel, and Rafet Zeybek.

With the newly published statement and signatures, the number of former parliamentarians supporting the call has risen to 307.

The full list of 84 signatories, sorted by surname, is as follows: